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Return of the Jedimarked the conclusion of the original trilogy ofStar Warsfilms. Richard Marquand was in the director’s chair as the third installment in the franchise brought Luke Skywalker’s fight against the Empire to a conclusion, ending the trilogy on a happy note. However, years later franchise spearhead George Lucas revived the saga for the prequel trilogy.
During an interview conducted years before the prequel trilogy premiered and polarized fans across the globe, Marquand put his hat in the ring to helm the preludes. Marquand expressed an interest in helming the prequels alongside Lucas’ close friend Steven Spielberg. Here is what Marquand had to say about his desire to direct the infamousStar Warsprequels.
Return of the JediDirector Richard Marquand Wanted to Direct theStar WarsPrequels Alongside Steven Spielberg
Richard Marquandserved as the director forReturn of the Jedi, the concluding entry in the originalStar Warstrilogy. The film was a major critical and commercial success and remains revered even today. However, Marquand had also volunteered to have his name as director on the more infamous entries of the franchise – the prequels.
During an interview conducted after the release ofReturn of the Jedi, Marquand expressed interest in directing the prequels. He said (viaDen of Geek):
Steven [Spielberg] and I would like to. It’s a very interesting part of the saga, the early days. The youth of Ben Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker is really important.
Marquand added that he was excited about the prospect of exploring a different timeline in the saga. However, he added that the prequels were likely several years away from production noting thatGeorge Lucashad yet to start writing the screenplay at that point.
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Sadly, Marquand passed away in 1987, leaving it unclear whether he would have accepted directing the prequels. According toreports, Lucas had offered the director’s chair for the prequels toSteven Spielberg, Ron Howard, and Robert Zemeckis. Hence, it is likely that Lucas would have approached Marquand as well.
Richard Marquand Talked About Leaving His Own Imprint onReturn of the Jedi
During the same interview, Marquand also spoke about directingReturn of the Jedi. The director stated how Irvin Kershner’s personality suited the dark and depressing tonality of theEmpire Strike Back. However, he noted that he was more well-suited for the third installment because of his appreciation of values and virtues.
I think I was probably the right guy for the third film because I like the great virtues: I love loyalty, friendship, love.
Marquand made the above statement regarding his suitability for the concluding entry in the trilogy. He noted that he had an affinity for happy endings which worked in the film’s favor.
Return of the Jedi Nearly Desecrated George Lucas’ Sacred Original Trilogy With One Deleted Scene
At the same time, Marquand also added that he tried to create a balance between showmanship and gags, so the film would appeal to a wider audience and not just kids. The director stated since the original film was released almost six years beforeReturn of the Jedithe children who enjoyed it had grown and he wanted the latter to appeal to them.
Return of the Jediand otherStar Warsfilms are streaming on Disney+.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1774
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
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George LucasRichard MarquandSteven Spielberg
